Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announced malls, offices, various retailers, and other facilities must shut down in the state’s most populous county. Home to sprawling tri-state-area shopping destinations, Bergen leads the state in coronavirus cases with at least 61 people infected by the illness.

The businesses must shut down by 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to a county order.

“All malls, shopping centers, offices, construction and business activity of any type or nature, except as modified herein, shall be closed until further notice,” Tedesco’s executive order said. “Restaurants within malls or shopping centers may remain open only for the sale of take-out orders or delivery.”

Speaking at a news conference in Hackensack, Tedesco said his decision was a matter of saving lives during the fast spreading pandemic.

“These are difficult times and I cannot promise that the coming days will be easier,” he said. “We are going to have to make many sacrifices.”

Tedesco said he knew his decision would bring criticism and said he was already threatened with lawsuits. The sweeping closures, he added, were aimed at halting spread of the virus.

“If you want to put money over somebody’s life, then shame on you,” Tedesco said.

Public gatherings of more than four people were also banned, according to the order.

“No groups of more than four people, other than family members, shall assemble in public at any time within [Bergen County] until further notice,” the order stated.

Several businesses were exempt from the order, including restaurants for takeout orders, drug stores, banks, law firms, funeral parlors and gas stations among other establishments. Wholesale stores were also permitted to sell items available in supermarkets, similar to the county’s Blue Laws in place on Sundays.

By order of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
All of the restrictions contained in prior Executive Orders issued in...